10 Reasons to Enjoy Peaches

Well, hello there wellness lovers!

Are we already near the middle of summer 2014? Well actually, it has seemed like summer for months now here in the high desert...

And for heavens' sake, the craft stores have already moved their summer decor to the clearance sections, and have already started stocking the shelves for fall!

I digress...time just seems to be going by way to fast these days.

Anyways, I am just excited that summer fruits, like peaches, are finally in season!

(photo credit)

What are some of the benefits of peaches, you may be wondering...

(I'm pretty sure I'm not the only nutrition geek/nerd/weirdo that Googles benefits of "--------" whenever I am eating something, hahaha.)

Anyways, I've come up with a list of 10 reasons why you may want to enjoy a peach, or many, this summer!

Keep in mind... peaches are on the Environmental Working Group's 'Dirty Dozen Plus' list, so if you are on a grocery budget, maybe at least try to purchase organic peaches. Or even better... plant a peach tree in your backyard! ;)

12 Reasons to Enjoy Peaches

1. They are an excellent source of potassium, which is beneficial to fluid regulation and also cleanses the kidneys.
2. Fiber assists in promoting feelings of satiation, as well as keeps your digestive system regulated.
3. Flavonoids, a class of antioxidants, assist in reducing inflammation and encouraging healthy cell growth.
4. Vitamins A and C make peaches a natural skin moisturizer, as both of these nutrients assist in regenerating the skin.
5. Beta carotene, an antioxidant, is thought to be beneficial to eye health.
6. Selenium, a mineral with antioxidant properties, may protect against cancer by protecting cells from damage.
7. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that regulates normal blood clotting, assists with the transport of calcium throughout the body, and may be beneficial to bone health.
8. Vitamin E supports a healthy immune system, eyes, and skin.
9. Pectin assists in stabilizing blood sugar and regulating the digestive system, thanks to the fact that it's a form of soluble fiber.
10. Lastly, enjoying peaches are a perfect way to satisfy your cravings for sweets... naturally and healthfully!

Sources:

Eating Well
Dr. Weil.com
WH Foods
Livestrong
Environmental Working Group

I hope you are having a lovely weekend!

xoxo,
Ashley

Raw PB and J Popsicles

Well, hello there wellness lovers!

The other day, I was browsing the reading list of my favorite blogs, and practically melted when I came across a recipe for Raw PB & J Popsicles by Amy from Fragrant Vanilla Cake!

Ever since finding popsicle molds at TJ Max at the beginning of summer, I've been having all sorts of fun creating my own 'ice cream' pops by freezing leftover banana soft serve...

But I had definitely not thought to make peanut butter and jelly-inspired pops!

Thank you, Amy... for sharing your recipe with us all!

Here it is!

Raw PB & J Popsicles
Makes 6

Jelly:
1 cup raspberries
4 large medjool dates
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

PB ice cream:
5 large frozen bananas
1/2 cup raw peanut butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
stevia to taste

6 standard sized popsicle molds

To make the jelly, combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Set aside. To make the PB ice cream, combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and puree until smooth, using the tamper to press it down into the blades. Pour into a bowl.

To assemble, take 6 popsicle molds, and alternate peanut butter ice cream and jelly until you have them filled (I used a spoon to carefully spoon the fillings in). Freeze overnight, then remove from the molds (you may need to run warm water over them for about 30 seconds to loosen) and enjoy!

If you are not yet familiar with Amy's raw vegan recipes... you should  check out her blog! (I've been reading it for years!)

Have a lovely day!

xoxo,
Ashley

P.S. If you haven't yet acquired popsicle molds, here are several options via Amazon!

How to make Watermelon "Candy!"

Greetings wellness lovers!

Today I wanted to share with you one of my favorite summer treats! I "accidently" made this last year, just by randomly dehydrating some extra water melon I had on hand.

To my surprise, dehydrated water melon is a heavenly sweet treat, and is even reminiscent of Starburst and Jolly Rancher candy!  

Did anyone else roll Starburst candy into a giant "Starburst ball" when they were a kid? Or was that just my sister and I...

Here are the steps:

1. Slice water melon 1 inch thick and cut into 2 inch (or so) pieces. As long as the thickness of the pieces is the same, the length/width doesn't have to be exact. (This makes them dry evenly.)
2. Arrange the water melon pieces on the dehydrator trays.
3. Dehydrate at 135 degrees, or the "fruit setting" for 6-8 hours.
4. Let cool, then store in an airtight container.

Simple!

*Bonus: Your house will have the lovely summery scent of watermelon!

In case you are wondering what type of dehydrator I use, it's the Excalibur 3900B Tray Deluxe Dehydrator from Amazon.

Oh, and check out the lovely nutrients that you will be treating your body to when you indulge in this pretty pink fruit!

(WHFoods)

I hope you have a wonderful day! P.S. I'm excited to hear if you plan on trying this!

xoxo,

Ashley

Mammoth Vacation 2011! Highlights

Greetings!

Tonight I decided to do some 'virtual scrapbooking.' I used to scrapbook for every single memorable event... but these days I keep it simple.


















Less than one week ago... my family was in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

It's an annual event... that we look forward to all year long.

My mom & dad.

Relaxing in the pine trees...

Hiking...

Parker Lake

Geocaching...

Cooking...

Seeing movies...

A 'must see!'

Relaxing...

Playing games...

Sight-seeing...

Natural Mineral Springs

Rainbow Falls

Mono Lake

Taking evening walks...

And...

My sister, Alyssa, introduced us to Yumm! Sauce. Seriously, this is amazing deliciousness. Since we've been home, we've been making it ourselves... and it vanishes almost as quickly as it appears!

When we came home after a week... there were tons of tomatoes and bell peppers in the garden, waiting to be picked! This was definitely a great ending to an amazing vacation!

What was the highlight of your summer? And, have you had Yumm! Sauce!?

Summer Watermelon Icee!

Happy Monday health & wellness lovers! ♥

I have a new summer drink obsession... watermelon icees! You've got to try this!

It tastes as sweet as a convenience store 'icee', but it's made entirely with watermelon! And it's so healthy, clean, refreshing, & innocent! ♥

I will definitely be enjoying this drink all summer... it cools you off immediately!

How to Make:

2 Ingredients!

• 2 cups watermelon
• 1 cup ice

1. Blend the watermelon into juice.
2. Add ice cubes. (a few at a time)

*Benefits of Watermelon*

-it's a dieurtic (say goodbye to bloat!)
-high in vitamins C, A, B6, B1
-contains potassium, magnesium, & fiber
-has an alkalizing effect on the body

Graph from WH Foods

This week's agenda:

• exchange health histories with fellow IN student Lauren
• webinar with business coach Robert Notter
• start new job the the City! (part time)
• cooking class with a client! (healthy pizza!)
• visit venue for 1st seminar, finalize date
• get the tires rotated, yippee!
• create Delicious Nutrition newsletter for July!
• 3 treadmill sessions/social hour with my friend Amber
• 2 relaxing yoga classes ♥
• complete test #2 for Integrative Nutrition
• Soupplantation & "Hangover 2" on Friday!
• Saturday farmer's market at AV Winery
• enjoy a relaxing weekend with Jon ♥
• 'backyard appreciation' (in the early am & late pm... it's going to be 92 degrees!)

*Featured Recipe*

Greetings! I hope you are having a great week!!

Just wanted to post a quick update... "Tropical Mango Banana Sherbert" was featured on the Integrative Nutrition blog today!

If you are looking for some healthy recipe inspiration... or ideas on what to make with seasonal produce, check out the blog!

There are 100 original recipes, all by students and graduates of Integrative Nutrition! :)

Happy end-of-the-week!!